Headstrong Like Us (Like Us, #6)

by Krista Ritchie

“I promise I’m always going to be here for you, and for you.” He eyes Farrow.

My dad clears his throat, then smiles a half-smile at Ripley.

“Maybe you two might need to hear this.” His eyes flit to us. “You’re both great fathers. The kind that kids grow up and gush about.” He feigns surprise. “A lot like me.” We laugh.

“Just know that, you’re both the great ones. No matter what happens or how many kids...

“Where are you going?” I ask loudly. “To go fire a wet mop.” He saunters out, confidence in every footstep.

And all of SFO might be off-duty tonight, but I know I can protect my groom and our son without a radio or team behind me. If I had any doubt, I wouldn’t put them in this situation.

“You still have the earplugs?” Maximoff asks. “I gave them to you this morning.” I dig into my pocket, and I notice Ripley cupping his hands over his ears.

Just glancing expectantly between me and Maximoff like, what’s happening next? Trusting us wherever we go, wherever we take him.

“That’s right, little trooper. Your papa’s about to silence all these noisy fuckers for you.” He beams, especially as Maximoff fits in the earplugs.

The best way to protect Ripley is for us to be in a single-file line, with our son shielded between his chest and my back.

His hand is descending on Ripley’s head. He’s innocently unaware. He’s a baby. He’s my baby. I lose my shit.

He’s strong, forcing men away like a bodyguard would. Still, I glance back at him, sweeping him. And honestly, he’s checking on me just as hardcore.

Sue me. I really couldn’t care less. Because no malicious hands are ever touching our son.

Jane’s was perfectly her: sentimental and long as fuck, and I didn’t expect her to say much about me. But a lot was spent on how she loved me as a person and how she adored me with her best friend.

“Life with Farrow is better than life without Farrow.”

I don’t know if anyone besides Maximoff has ever expressed those feelings about me out loud before. Not like that. It choked me up. She’s alrea...

Donnelly’s speech was hilarious as shit. He told a few anecdotes about our time at Yale. Like the night we never slept, looking for a 24/7 diner in New Haven that sold peach cobbler. How we finally found one at 8 a.m. after walking six miles. Our phones died and we hitchhiked back to campus. Simple days. Easy times.

We still have those, only they’re now shared with Maximoff too, and Donnelly made him turn fire-engine red. I was fucking rolling.

Donnelly said, “And my best friend has the ability to make the hottest, smokin’ Maximoff Hale tur...

“So you’re not sleeping in different rooms tonight?” Xander asks his brother, then eyes me. “I thought you’re supposed to separate the night before the wedding.”

My smile stretches, and his arm drops so he can hold my hand. “I’m stealing Farrow away, but I’ll see you all later.”

He crosses his arms, then uncrosses to gesture to himself. “And you have a better view of me, which I know you love.” “Sure.” I can’t stop smiling. I haven’t been able to all night.

“Dreaming of your lips around my cock?” “Your hands,” Maximoff says under his breath in tender want and hot affection. “On me.” “Yeah?” I sweep him, my blood cranking up. “On your ass.” “My ass, my face, my cock.” He’s unabashed, his eyes on mine in desire that swells my veins. “Everywhere.” Damn.

“You want your husband to touch you?” His chest collapses in an aching breath. I laugh. “Too easy.” “You’re the one who’s hard, man.” I suck in a breath. “Not yet, but nice effort.”

I pop a bubble in my mouth and locate our son with the parents, aunts, and uncles. Ryke cradles the sleeping baby, lips parted in breathy snores.

But he has his favorites. Ryke and Lo. It’s clear to me why. They have the most similar energy as Maximoff, and so Ripley is the most comfortable in their arms.

noticing Lily trekking forward. No fear in her stance. Determination lifts her shoulders and chin.

SLAY

as Lily faces her mom underneath the lemon trees. “I need to speak to you privately,” Lily says with confidence. Everyone can hear.

SO PROUD

“I wasn’t asking,” Lily interjects. “Either you speak with me privately or you’ll need to leave the wedding.”

“The wedding,” Lily emphasizes. “Meaning, you won’t be in attendance tomorrow.”

I LOVE HER

“You’re not the authority here. This is my son’s wedding.” Her eyes glass with anger, with emotion. “You can go. Go.” Lily points at the door.

Lily exhales a big breath and turns, her glassy gaze meeting mine and her son’s. An apology almost fills her eyes, but it fades. Because I start clapping with deep pride. Maximoff joins in, and others do too, the sound growing. She walks over to us, being led by applause from all directions.

We hug Lily together. There are reasons why Maximoff says his parents are the strongest people he knows. Why he believes in them endlessly and faithfully. Every time they’re kicked down, they crawl to a stance and fight towards courage. And I’m lucky as hell that I can call them my family.

“This time tomorrow night you’re going to be my husband,” he says. “And it’s strange because I’ve already felt like you are.”

It feels like we’ve waited years for tomorrow to arrive and also just a single day. But I don’t think about what’s ahead yet. I stay in the present, one last unmarried night with him.

Today is the day. July 9th. The last day that I’m just Farrow Redford Keene. The first day of many that I can call Maximoff my husband. And I still can’t believe that day is now.

“You look like fucking fire,” Donnelly says, grinning as he watches me tuck a black button-down into expensive black slacks.

Powered by a stubborn, unshakable love that I ache to meet head-on.

I haven’t seen Maximoff since early this morning. My lip lifts, knowing the next time we lock eyes, we’ll be walking down the aisle. Fuck, I crave to rest my gaze against his gaze, and we’ve barely been apart.

Oscar digs into a bag of Cheetos. “The Groom might drop to his knees at the altar.”

He licks bright-orange dust off his thumb. “Aware. But I’m also a snack expert. I wouldn’t recommend this for anyone else.” He looks to our friend. “That means you, Donnelly.”

For the Maverick, Congrats on tying the knot. We’re wishing you a lifetime of happiness with your husband, and we also look forward to working with you alongside Kitsuwon Securities. Have a smoke on us. - Security Force Alpha

I check my jaw for razor-bumps. I look hot.

but I like knowing Thatcher and I are more understanding of each other. And I smile, because I know I’m not just valuable to him on a security level. But on a human level, we have something there too.

She smiles at my attire. “Moffy’s gonna faint.” I laugh. “I’ll catch him.”

Luna is beaming with real fucking happiness, and her eyes well like this is also a dream. Me joining her family.

The cloudy sky isn’t that ominous to me. Oscar peers outside. “The storm might pass over.” I shrug. “I really don’t give a shit.”

Rain or shine, I’m still marrying the love of my life today.

Donnelly glances down at his cell. “Jane’s asking if you need anything.” Thatcher st...

He hasn’t said anything, but I’m guessing he’s not the biggest fan of Jane communicati...